Texas DPS is reminding online shoppers to stay vigilant this holiday season, warning of scams and sharing tips to protect financial information.
TEXAS, USA — With Cyber Monday around the corner, the Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texans to be cautious while making purchases, warning that the holiday season often brings an uptick in online scams.
DPS Chief Information Officer Jessica Ballew said cyber criminals take advantage of shoppers who may be in a hurry, distracted or juggling multiple orders.
“The holidays can be a prime time for online scams,” said Ballew.
She said simple steps — like making sure you’re on a retailer’s official site and avoiding unexpected links — can help prevent personal or financial information from being stolen.
Officials also encourage shoppers to check that websites show signs of being secure before entering payment information.
To help Texans protect themselves, DPS shared several recommendations:
- Stick to trusted sources and avoid clicking on links sent through unexpected emails, texts or social media posts.
- Use digital wallets or virtual card numbers when possible to help safeguard real credit card details.
- Confirm that a website begins with “https://” before completing a purchase.
- Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.
- Avoid making purchases over public Wi-Fi, which can be more vulnerable to hackers.
- Keep an eye on bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized activity.
- Watch for suspicious messages claiming to offer shipping updates, as fake tracking scams are common.
- Don’t click unfamiliar links. Instead, navigate to the retailer’s website directly.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added account protection.
- Be skeptical of unusually steep discounts or deals that seem unrealistic.
DPS officials said staying alert and using basic cyber safety practices can help Texans shop with confidence and avoid scams during the busy holiday season.